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Owner's description

After a brief closure, Cape Town seafood stalwart, Panama Jacks has opened in an exciting new space in the E-Berth cruiseliner terminal in Waterfront. The restaurant had been unexpectedly asked to vacate their previous location in the Table Bay Harbour, due to a conflict with port authorities.

Luckily, however, the iconic restaurant has found a new home in the waterfront, with endless views of the incoming ships and of the waterfront itself.

Panama Jacks, established in 1989, has always been known for their quirky setting and loveable staff. Despite the laid-back environ, however, the food served has always been of a superior quality. The freshest shellfish, oysters and linefish are always on offer and are always expertly prepared.

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User reviews

★★★★★

5 Reviews

Tim&nbspStevens

★★★★★

What an utter disappointment, devoid of character, atmosphere, service or anything that resembles good food.
We ordered Tuna Tataki, Calamari Tentacles, Mussels, Thai Soup and Tempura Hake.
The tuna was cooked beautifully, but poorly seasoned. A strange side salad of sprouts and avocado smothered in a nasty satay peanut sauce made no sense. If it weren't for the Kewpie mayonnaise this dish would have been a complete disaster. Probably the most confused dish of the day.
The Calamari Tentacles had zero seasoning, could have been eating cardboard.
Mussels, had no sauce, if I were to guess they had also come out of the microwave given the dry look and splatter pattern on the plate, couldn't eat it. (Note to self Den Anker for Mussels)
Although I didn't taste the Thai soup, the feedback from a six trip Thai expert was underwhelming, heat without any of the other complex flavours you'd expect from a Thai dish.
I guess the most disappointing was the fish and chips, fish was overcooked and the chips were awful.
I have enjoyed Panama Jacks in the past, but this was an irrecoverable disaster, never again

July 22nd, 2019 at 17:03pm

David&nbspYe

★★★★★

Gosh! Non of the crustaceans are fresh. I ordered the crustacean platter. The crayfish smells off and had to be replaced, the oysters were not fresh and the king prawns are mushy. They are dishonest as well, there is no langustine on the place even if it has it on the menu. It is the worst seafood I have ever had. Never go back.

December 15th, 2016 at 20:13pm

Annamarie&nbspBarnard

★★★★★

We visited the restaurant on 23 September 2016, firstly the welcome was ice cold and without any smiles, there was confusion as to where they can seat us, a sum total of 2 people in a restaurant that is not full. Secondly my chair was broken and had to be taken away, thirdly my plate was dirty. Fourthly we waited forever for someone to take our drinks order. My serviette was maroon, a colour that went out of fashion in the 80's and it had 3 holes in it! There were at least 5 hostesses running around like chickens with their heads off but none could serve!! We had sushi which was okey but the place is tired, the carpets warned, the window frames in a state of dilapidation. I definitely will not go back there.

September 26th, 2016 at 13:47pm

Hanneke&nbspWolfaardt

★★★★★

Best seafood ive had in Cape Town! Seafood platter is "to die for". Friendly service, lovely cosy atmosphere next to fireplace. Oh and good wine! Can recommend this place with a smile. They "deliver" every time.

July 8th, 2016 at 22:47pm

David&nbspLinton

★★★★★

BEST BEST Seafood Curry I have EVER had. Don't bother looking at anything else (altho my girlfriend had the lobster and can't stop raving about it!) Ask for it by name! the Quay 500 Curry, can't go wrong!
Service was good, Waitress was helpful! And love the seaside vibe!